RAFA BENITEZ called for his players to play the derby with their brain as well as their heart.

As he shook hands with each heroic contributor at full-time, he recognised victory had more to the do with the latter.

A valiant second half display made amends for a peculiar opening when the teamsheet needed several glances to ensure the Borstal boys' club hadn't gate-crashed proceedings.

Despite more bookings than a Bill Kenwright West End production, this was by no means a dirty game. But rank indiscipline was still a recurring feature, firstly in the red jerseys, and latterly from the boys in blue.

Fortunately for Liverpool, they regained lost composure to dominate and produce a second half performance of courage and class, making a mockery of the numerical disadvantage.

There's no question this victory is more satisfying for Liverpool due to the circumstances. The jibe aimed at the Reds that they're 'a one man' team wasn't just put to bed here, it was nailed into a coffin and buried so deep underground it's inconceivable anyone will dare excavate it.

Steven Gerrard has been the club's saviour so often for the last five seasons; his thirty seconds of impulsiveness will be forgotten within the millisecond it takes to repeat the final score.

But having been deserving of rewards and accolades in the past, it was right the skipper quickly acknowledged how his teammates bailed him out this time.

Their response to his 18th minute departure was startling. They were gallant and gutsy, although for 25 minutes, they were still reeling from the shock.

Such is his influence, one half of the stadium greeted Gerrard's departure like a last minute winner.

The Kop, without the clarity of thought an instant replay of the bookings would have brought, wrongly blamed the official. In truth, referee Phil Dowd had no choice but so show a second yellow once the captain mistimed a lunging tackle on Kevin Kilbane.

At least the home crowd's misplaced sense of injustice brought them to life after a strangely subdued start.

As has been the case so often before, adversity brought the best out of players and fans. The red card behaved like an ear-splitting alarm clock.

The visitors had looked alright when it was eleven versus eleven. Pepe Reina's busiest period came before the dismissal.

But the change in dynamics revealed the shortcomings of David Moyes' side. Given the perfect opportunity to win their second derby of the Millennium, they were unable to maintain possession and make their extra man count.

The fact they were still restricted to adopting the tried and tested formula of asking Duncan Ferguson to pop in his gum shield for the last 20 minutes was a damning indictment on what had gone before.

A latecomer would never have known Liverpool were a man down, although James Beattie's anonymous display was somewhat of a leveller.

The contrast with the tireless Peter Crouch should ensure it's impossible for anyone to compare England credentials without turning their face a shade beetroot.

Jamie Carragher took the skipper's arm-band and duly reminded everyone of their duty, barking his instructions not only to team-mates, but any misguided match stewards trying to quicken the game up by becoming ball boys.

Initially, survival seemed the only option. Then Phil Neville generously put the ball into the back of the net to become the latest recipient of the 'Sandy Brown Trophy'.

Somewhere in Manchester, gleeful brother Gary was running from his living room towards the M62, until the penny dropped the goal was at the wrong end.

Liverpool fans faced an uncertain few seconds as they worked out whether it was more appropriate to laugh or cheer.

Now it was the Blues' turn to self-destruct. An improbable half-time

scoreline was instantly doubled courtesy of Luis Garcia, who highlighted once more how the big occasions at Anfield bring the best out of him.

Garcia's consistency levels have been low, but there's no arguing with his contribution during the most important home fixtures. He's claimed many of the most celebrated Anfield goals in recent history. That's why he's in the Spanish squad.

Garcia was a menace throughout the second half, coming to life during a period when Benitez may have been considering the number ten a luxury he couldn't afford with his side a man down.

Garcia's cheeky chip and continued tormenting of the visiting defence kept the more cautious tactic of sending on Jan Kromkamp at bay.

Even at 2-0, Liverpool looked most likely to add to the tally. Only the crossbar and linesman's flag prevented another five-goal haul.

Tim Cahill's header was the one effort of note Reina faced in the second half and succeeded only in raising anxiety level in the stands, not on the pitch.

When Andy Van der Meyde was somewhat harshly shown red for an elbow on Alonso, which didn't look deliberate, Liverpool knew the game was won.

It would have been no surprise if Alonso had been targeted, given the way he bossed the second half and underlined the difference in class within both sides.

There's a school of thought which suggests Alonso raises his game when Gerrard is absent.

Enough evidence exists to support the theory, and his commanding performance here was a further example. It's natural the play-maker senses extra responsibility when his midfield partner isn't around.

Perhaps the next stage in Alonso's development is psychological as he recognises he's too good to stand in anyone else's shadow. He pulled more strings than a classical harpist.

The Spaniard was denied a deserved goal of his own when he struck the bar, while Harry Kewell was cursing Richard Wright's fingertips when a drive was pushed inches wide.

Kewell erased any doubts with another sweet left-footer. The celebrations of one of the most unlikely, but gratifying of derby wins, could formally begin.

Benitez wasted no time giving The Kop a clearer glimpse of his smart new suit as he justifiably joined in the full-time celebrations. He also unveiled his new English phrase of the week.

"This was a massive win," he smiled, recognising its importance was as much to do with the manner of victory than a mere three points against a side which offers no threat to Champions League ambition.

It's also worth noting how any suggestion Benitez has spent vastly more than Moyes to revive his club since January, 2005, is big, fat, utterly inaccurate myth. This is one area where the managers have enjoyed equality.

Benitez has invested wiser to ensure, after a one year blip in Premiership positions, the balance of power on Merseyside has been brutally restored in Liverpool's favour.